I knew that signing up for this race would get me to train a little harder because this elevation was brutal! This was my first race that had such intense elevation changes. I trained hard for it but I probably should have done some more hillwork!

Registration - The staff was extremely friendly and encouraging and there was absolutely no wait for me. The price was hard to beat too!

Course - I was just floored at the layout of this course. It was some of most beautiful scenery you could ever ask for in a race. The first few miles were pretty acceptable and leg friendly with some minor hills but once you hit mile 6...OUCH! Those hills were just painful. I didn't see many people running the big hill but if they did - Bravo to those machines! I'm a big fan of the downhills on the backside and I've heard many people saying that they hate the downhills. I get it but after those substantial uphills, cruising down was right up my alley. The rest of the course was just breathtaking through the windy course leading up to a picture perfect finish line at the base of the ski hill!

Swag - I really feel bad having any complaints at all as the shirt was awesome! This was my first long sleeve shirt from a race and it is absolutely perfect. The only thing I was a little disappointed in was the finishers medal. It was much smaller than I was expecting after seeing a few of the years past medals. I understand that the race was very cost friendly and that may have had an effect on the medals but maybe something a little bigger next year? Maybe some color in it?

Race staff - I don't think you could find a more friendly and supportive group of volunteers along a course. They braved the cold temps and wind to be there for the runners and I can't thank them enough.

Post race party - The finish line at the bottom of the ski hill was just about as perfect as it gets. The finish line cheers were just awesome and everything seemed flawless. Everything you could ask for at the end of a race was there and easily accessible (fruits, drinks, medals, silver blankets!) Plus, the ski lift back to the top was pretty interesting. It was a little windy and cold but after that hilly race, I wasn't about to walk up the hill!